Tackling the teen terrors
Booze mountain now a trickle
Beach battle- hardened police insist they’re now winning the war against the terrible teens.
It has taken an astonishing FIVE YEARS for the breakthrough.
Back then there were no extra officers and not a British Transport Policeman to be seen.
And children took over trains, drank at will and caused chaos in Troon.
Since 2014 new measures have gradually been introduced to the extent there is full strategic planning, riot squad and mounted police on South Beach.
Troon Community Council debated the issue last week.
And police sergeant Dean Barlas said: “People will remember the police showing off the amount of alcohol that was seized when this all started.
“That is no longer the case and was down on last year. Yes, some are drinking before they get to their train station and hold it together to get through the barriers.
“But if they have any it will be taken off them.”
On Bank Holiday Monday May 28, about 2000 youths hit South Beach and a 50- strong police force made six arrests.
Community councillor Nicky Power reported youths coming down the night before and hiding drink in gardens
Police revealed the dunes were searched at 7am if they suspect an invasion and that residents could report any alcohol they come across.
He defended the cost when South Beach resident Isabel Cowan said the police operation must have cost a fortune.
She also pointed out buses could not get down South Beach as families had parked there, causing a “log jam.”
Sgt Barlas said: “There is no extra cost, resources are directed to the top priority and they would be on duty anyway.
He also revealed some cars were not just ticketed for obstruction, but lifted away to the pound.
Town councillor Craig Mackay said: “Compared to last year the co- operation has come on leaps and bounds and is clearly a very good news story.
“Hopefully people know they can come to Troon and have a great time.”
The major potential difficulty of the last invasion was when trains were stopped because of signalling problems.
Buses had to be put on and once problems had been fixed empty trains arrived at Troon for the sole purpose of transporting the children.
• Troon Community Council chairman Helen Duff praised volunteers who swarmed the beach to clean up after the hordes.
She said: “I am amazed at the volunteers who give up their own town to keep our town tidy.”